Ten Body Functions Retained After Death

It is interesting to learn about the functions of the human body that are still performed even after several hours or even days after clinical death.

10. The growth of hair and nails

Despite the fact that the body does not generate tissue for growth of hair and nails after death, they continue to elongate. In fact, this is easily explained by the fact that the skin loses moisture and shrinks while exposing the hair. Nails also appear longer. Due to the fact that the length of a nail is usually measured from the tip to the point of contact with the skin, when the skin shrinks, nails seem to be longer.

9. Brain activity (with the use of medication)

Modern technologies have erased the line between life and death, sometimes the brain may be dead, but the heart will continue to pump blood. After a cardiac arrest, doctors pronounce the patient dead only after the brain is dead. Immediately following the cardiac arrest, the brain starts searching for oxygen and nutrients needed for its functioning. This condition can be extended using medication up to several days. Sometimes, this can save the patient’s life, but most often not.

8. The growth of skin cells

This is another function of the human body, showing that different parts of the body cease to exist at different speeds. Upon termination of blood circulation, the brain dies almost immediately. However, other cells of the body can still function due to the fact that they can be sustained on their own for some time. Skin cells can remain alive for several days.

7. Urination

According to common knowledge about anatomy, urination is a function of our will, except for some funny or frightening cases. However, our ability to control urinating is an involuntary function. This function is controlled by a certain area of ​​the human brain. This very same locale is responsible for regulation of breathing and heart functioning. Which easily explains why people who are intoxicated often experience incontinence. Alcohol inhibits the activity in part of the brain responsible for keeping the bladder sphincter closed. Rigor mortis causes muscles to stiffen, and within a couple of hours after death, the muscles relax, causing urination after death is occurred.

6. Defecation

In times of emotional stress, human body is capable of getting rid of waste products. The body relaxes certain muscles, resulting in defecation. After death, this mechanism is triggered by gases accumulating inside the body.

5. Digestion

After the death of the body, metabolic processes inside do not fade away right away. For some time, the gut bacteria will continue to function normally.

4. Erection and ejaculation

The blood, which the body stops to deliver to body parts upon death, mostly accumulates in the areas located lower. Relaxation of muscles after death does not last forever. Some types of muscle cells are activated due to the presence of calcium ions. Energy-demanding cells exude calcium ions. Cell membranes after clinical death become more permeable, and they contract. Rigor mortis occurs. Muscle contraction can also cause ejaculation.

3. Muscle movement

Despite the death of the brain, many areas of the nervous system can remain active. Commonly, muscle flexing can be observed, which is a direct result of transmission of nerve signals to the spinal cord, leading to muscle cramps and spasms.

2. Vocalization

Our bodies are filled with gases and liquids, which are encased by muscles and bones. When the bacteria begin to take over after death, decay takes place, and the amount of gas inside the body increases. One of the ways for gases to escape the body is through trachea. Rigor mortis can affect the vocal cords. Very often, scary sounds like moans, sighs and whistles emanate from the dead.

1. Childbearing

In the past, when death rates exceeded today’s rates, women often died while being pregnant. The gases accumulating inside the body and relaxation of tissues led to the expulsion of non-viable fetus from the body. Such cases are very rare, but documented.

Valerie

I'm a law student who is fond of reading and writing about interesting topics on science (especially cognitive science and psychology), technology, and different extraterrestrial and paranormal stuff. I'm passionate about movies, travelling and photography.